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1KS Schwegler General Purpose Dormouse Drey

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Out of Print #185970

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The 1KS General Purpose Dormouse Drey is suitable for all species of dormouse found in Central Europe (edible, garden, forest and common dormice). Dormice seek refuge in relatively undisturbed broadleaf woodlands. If such habitats are not available they become easy prey for their natural predators such as martens and owls. They will readily use the 1KS as secure quarters, for overwintering too, depending on the region.

Based on past experience and ongoing development work Schwegler have extended their range of alternative accommodation for dormice with the introduction of a special drey. The Type KS dormouse drey is an inexpensive way of helping to preserve woodland species. One of the main advantages of the 1KS is that the entrance is at the rear, facing the tree trunk, making it more difficult for birds to occupy it (it is important to ensure that the trunk is of the right diameter). With upper, lower and side openings next to the trunk the actual access is ideally positioned but still well protected from potential predators.

Suitable sites: Dry broadleaf and mixed coniferous and broadleaf woodlands, with widely spaced trees. Provided there is plenty of available food, woodlands consisting predominantly of conifers may also be suitable. These animals tend to establish themselves well in woodland (frequently on the edges of woods, or where wind breakage or replanting have occurred), and with dense undergrowth and shrubs. This provides a good source of food. Meadows interspersed with fruit trees or large, wild gardens also offer a habitat for dormice, provided there is woodland nearby. It is advisable to hang the boxes between holes and cavities already occupied by birds to avoid unnecessary disturbance by birds seeking nesting sites. Ideally the boxes should be placed at a height of 1.5 - 3 m above the ground.

Method of attachment Patented Schwegler hanger, including aluminium nails which have been approved for forestry use. The back of the drey is rounded, matching the shape of the trunk and ensuring a secure attachment.

Cleaning and inspection The front panel is removable to enable quick and easy checks to be carried out. It is not necessary to remove the drey from the tree. IMPORTANT: do not disturb overwintering animals.

Dormice Information Dormice are mainly found in broadleaf and mixed woodland that is not at risk of flooding, as well as in wild gardens and meadows interspersed with fruit trees. Dormice are now severely under threat (in some cases they are on the Red List of endangered species). The far-reaching destruction of what were formerly widely distributed, natural and open woodlands with their relatively high proportion of fallen trees has deprived these animals of an ideal habitat. Their disappearance leads to a severe ecological imbalance.

Dormice are excellent climbers and tend to be active at dusk and during the night. They rest during the day, safe in their nests, which are usually spherical in shape and made of moss, ferns, grasses, leaves and small twigs, and may be hidden in holes in trees, such as those made by woodpeckers, in clefts in the rock or in thickets. However, such ideal sites are often not available, and so they are competing increasingly with birds for nesting holes.

Due to this shortage of quarters experts advise hanging up special boxes, known as dreys, for these species. Depending on the locality, dormice can hibernate for up to 7 months, surviving on fat reserves built up during the summer. They also require a dry and safe place in which to conceal themselves.